Host

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and our hosts play the crucial role of ensuring that our guests are greeted warmly, treated with aloha, and are made to feel welcome. Hosts are responsible for greeting and seating guests, as well as explaining specials and helping to familiarize malihini (visitors) and first-time diners with our dishes. The ideal candidate is not only pleasant but a tactful problem solver and excellent at handling sometimes impatient or frustrated guests. If hospitality is your passion and you love to share the aloha spirit, you're perfect for our team!Duties include:Greeting and seating guests, informing them of specials and explaining our dishes to guests who are unfamiliar with Hawaiian or local-style foodsManaging wait times to ensure prompt seating and service, including anticipating and planning how to handle potential service bottlenecks due to large parties or reservationsReviewing and monitoring reservations calendar to ensure prompt service for guests with reservations; alerting servers of any special notations in reservations detailsAnswering questions about menu items if guests' server is unavailableIdentifying guests who need help and assisting or obtaining help for themQuickly and accurately report all complaints and/or service exceptions to the manager on duty so that action can be taken before customer(s) leave the restaurantSecondary duties include serving as back-up for counter service, take-out orders and/or incoming phone callsGeneral stocking, cleaning, and daily maintenance of front-of-house areasAssisting co-workers to ensure prompt, high-quality guest serviceMay be called upon to assist with serving dutiesCompany Overview Highway Inn is an award-winning 75-year-old, third-generation-owned Hawaiian and local food restaurant. We are proud of the food we serve and the exceptional service we extend to every guest. 'Ohana and aloha are our core values—many of our employees have been with us for more than 20 years and generations of families have been dining with us since we first opened in 1947.Qualifications1 to 2 years of customer service experience; preferred experience with restaurant service, especially host duties, as well as familiarity with Hawaiian food and "Hawai'i local" dishesExcellent customer service and interpersonal skillsConversational level or fluency in non-English languages a plusStrong attendance recordPositive attitudeTeam player who is able to multitask efficientlyProactive in identifying and anticipating the needs and concerns of customers, co-workers, and managersAble to stand and/or walk continuously for long periods of time, read the POS screen, and hear customers in an often-noisy environmentMust be able to lift 20-25 pounds with or without assistanceRequired to follow both oral and written instructionExpected to communicate clearly and efficiently with co-workers and managersBenefits/PerksClosed on all major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year'sBased on hours worked, employees are eligible for:Employee discountsComprehensive health insurancePaid time offTemporary disability insurance401K/Profit sharing